CLEVELAND — Terry Francona was hired Saturday as manager of the Cleveland Indians.

Francona, who won two World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox, will take over a team that collapsed in the second half this season after a promising first four months.

The 53-year-old will be introduced as Cleveland's 42nd manager during a Monday news conference at Progressive Field, the Indians said in a statement.

Cleveland chose Francona over Sandy Alomar Jr., who served as the club's interim manager for the final six games after Manny Acta was fired on Sept. 27. Francona and Alomar were the only candidates to interview for the Indians' opening.

Francona has worked as an analyst for ESPN this season. His father, Tito, played for the Indians from 1959-64.

Francona interviewed with the Indians on Friday, one day after interim manager Sandy Alomar Jr. tried to convince Cleveland's front office that he was ready to take over the club permanently. Alomar managed the Indians to a 3-3 record after Manny Act was fired on Sept. 27.

Francona's impressive resume won over the Indians along with the fact that he had previously worked with the club as an adviser in 2001.

Alomar, who has spent the past three seasons as a coach in Cleveland, will likely be courted by other teams seeking a manager. He interviewed with Boston last year before the Red Sox hired Bobby Valentine.

Since leaving the Indians, Francona has stayed close with Indians president Mark Shapiro and general manager Chris Antonetti. Francona's father, Tito, played for Cleveland from 1959-64.

Francona spent nine seasons with the Red Sox but was not brought back after the club fell apart down the stretch in 2011. This season, Francona worked as an analyst for ESPN and said it was while preparing for broadcasts that he realized how much he missed managing and being around players.